Wednesday, 19 August 2015

An earlier application BH2014/ 02654 for redevelopment of a near-derelict section of the Aquarium Terraces was withdrawn by the applicant, Brighton Seafront Regeneration Ltd., before the decision date. BSR Ltd. have now returned with a new application BH2015/02443 which addresses some of the criticisms levelled against the original design.

Block plan of new proposals showing existing buildings in orange,

Whereas in the first scheme the top storey of the new building presented an unbroken wall to passers-by in Marine Parade so obstructing views of the sea and seafront for 65 yards, in the new scheme this storey is now divided into two sections with a 10 metre gap between them.

View from Marine Parade of proposed new buildings.

The distance for which the passer-by is denied any glimpse of the sea is therefore halved by the new scheme. The existing view of the seafront is hardly inspiring anyway. An additional bonus is that the new development will necessitate the removal of the existing unsightly roofs. The view of the seafront and sea through the 10 metre gap should therefore be an improvement on the present one.

The present view from Marine Parade.

For the design of the new buildings the architects have sought inspiration from the art deco De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill; classic seafront architecture which will harmonise with the Van Alen building just across Marine Parade.

Tuesday, 18 August 2015

The Batsuit, designed by Lindy Hemming and Chris Nolan, has just gone on display in the Brighton Museum.

It is on loan from Warner Bros Entertainment Inc to the Costume Games which are coming to Brighton 16th to 20th September.

35 people, a tonne of silicone and 800kg of polyurethane were used to make Batman's final 25 outfits. Velcro came in useful too. Sixteen different capes were made to cover all Batman's different physical activities.

(Note for fans, it is said to still be emitting genuine Christian Bale sweat odours.)

Saturday, 15 August 2015

The completed section of the tower, nearly 400 ft. high, hangs in space supported only by the jacking rig.

One of the last three cans stands ready to be slotted into place and then have cladding and other fittings attached in what amounts to a vertical assembly line.

As the tower approaches its full height there seem little doubt that, as the designers and supporters predicted, it will make a spectacular addition to the seafront and, on its launch next summer, will make headlines around the world. Financial success will surely follow. Maybe a glimmer of hope for a new pier can be entertained, complementing the tower and providing a satisfying conclusion to the project.

Friday, 14 August 2015

A severely corroded beam in part of the in one of the recently vacated bays of the JAG Gallery, is being shored up but is in such a poor state that piecemeal repairs are no longer able to maintain the structure properly.

The risk to the business closest to the damaged beam is high so the council has taken the tough decision to ask the JAG gallery to move out by 1 September. JAG gallery has already had to move part of its operation to a Portakabin and there is temporary fencing around the remainder of the Madeira Terraces. The council is working with the tenants to see whether relocation is possible.